More Than A Memento
In life, we often go through our days interacting with others, but not really connecting. It’s just the way it is. Most days we are busy, stressed, and distracted—replaying yesterday and worrying about tomorrow. It can be difficult to be in the moment, to observe and listen, to be present—to look and actually see. Not that we mean to or want to, but sometimes we operate on a superficial level. This is partly because we are so engaged in our own worlds, disconnected, and unable to relate to something outside of ourselves. I’m reminded of an experience I had one summer while visiting one of my favorite places–England. I was spending the day in a Cotswolds market town in Gloucestershire, a charming place with honey-colored, stone architecture and baskets full of colorful, cascading flowers adorning pubs and storefronts. As I made my way along the busy highstreet, a courtyard with galleries caught my attention. I walked into the brightly lit space with sunlight streaming down from the skylights above, illuminating the shops before me. I immediately noticed the simple but stunning jewelry in one of the galleries. I walked in and began to browse. My gaze landed on an understated, wide, silver band with an anticlastic shape. It was lovely. I wanted to try it on, but I didn’t see anyone. I looked across the hallway, and sitting opposite the gallery, in a studio, was the artist. She was petite […]